Simoens and Leonard executives shrugged off the report at their show during Paris Fashion Week.

It is understood Simoens has held talks with Christian Dior, still without a creative director since the ouster a year ago of couturier John Galliano in the wake of racist and anti-Semitic outbursts.

Simoens has repeatedly denied to WWD that he has had any contact with Dior.

Dior has yet to reveal any plans regarding its creative leadership, and the firm continues to enjoy strong business momentum with its design teams under the creative leadership of Bill Gaytten, a longtime collaborator of Galliano.

The company is said to be mulling continuing with a team approach, possibly adding some young, up-and-coming talents.